Compact hi-fi systems

There’s no denying the Mini’s appeal: a well-known British brand, a rich sound and solid build.

What Hi-Fi

Winner of 2010 "What Hi-Fi" Best CD System £400-£800 Solo mini delivers delightfully engaging sound from a single stylish, compact and easy to use unit. Integrating an audiophile quality amplifier, CD player and radio tuner plus MP3 and WMA playback from USB or CD-R, the Solo mini is a revelation in sound quality for small systems.

When the Solo Mini is combined with the matching Muso loudspeakers and the rDock iPod/iPhone docking system it also represents a wonderful package to enjoy the music from an iPod, CD radio or USB memory device.

System Strengths: Inexpensive cost, small size, musical accurance

Arcam Solo Neo/Elac BS243 loudspeakers

The Solo neo is a music system with superb music performance delivered from its internal CD player, radio tuner and network audio client. It can play stored music in a multitude of formats and access thousands of internet radio stations from around the world. With superb audio quality from highly developed pre and power amplifier stages the Solo neo offers a high performance, stylish and easy to use package that delivers music in a way that will thrill any listener.

The Solo Neo combined with the Elac BS243 speakers will allow you to rediscover your music collection.

System strengths: More powerful than the Mini Solo, More detail and depth of sound, Internet radio

The original Solo was good. The Solo Neo is even better, and that alone makes it a great buy.

What Hi-Fi

Rotel RCX-1500/B&W DM685 speakers

What Hi-Fi

The Rotel RCX-1500 combines a high quality CD player/FM & Internet Tuner with a powerful integrated 100 Watt amplifier capable of driving large speakers in big living spaces. If it is finesse, smoothness and detail you are after then the Rotel RCX-1500 is for you. Matching the Rotel with B&W DM685 makes for a compact yet powerful solution.

Other speaker choices may complement your living space better and we are happy to make alternative recommendations.

System strengths: More powerful than the Arcam Solo, Capable of driving big speakers, Internet radio, Suitable for large living spaces.